Ulster Grocer September 2021 by Helen Wright

GROCER ULSTER

Over 45 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

SEPTEMBER 2021

N O. 1 M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E LO C A L G R O C E R Y S E C TO R

GROCER

SEPTEMBER 2021

ULSTER

Over 45 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

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BALMORAL SHOW: RETURNING THIS AUTUMN AFTER AN 18-MONTH BREAK, WITH SPAR NI CELEBRATING ITS 10TH YEAR AS PLATINUM SPONSOR OF THE BIGGEST AGRICULTURAL EVENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

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NATASHA’S LAW: ARE YOU PREPARED FOR ALLERGEN LABELLING CHANGES COMING INTO FORCE ON OCTOBER 1? FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY NI ADVISES RETAILERS ON THE NEW REQUIREMENTS

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STORE FOCUS: WITH ITS BUCOLIC LOCATION ON WATERFALL ROAD IN GLENO & WIDE ARRAY OF LOCAL PRODUCE, THE DAIRY BISTRO, BUTCHER’S & FARM SHOP HAS BECOME A POPULAR DESTINATION

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introduction of legislation making assault, threats or abuse of shopworkers a specific offence, in line with the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill which came into force on August 24. Testimonies by NI shopworkers responding to Usdaw’s survey include staff being verbally abused, slapped, spat at, and hit by thrown groceries. Areas of contention included mask wearing and the Think 25 ID policy for alcohol. “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Northern Irish shopworkers,” said Paddy Lillis, general secretary, Usdaw. “Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by

new survey by retail trade union Usdaw highlights the escalating issue of abuse against shop workers during the pandemic, with 92% experiencing verbal abuse and 14% assault. Published as the union embarked on its Freedom from Fear campaign last month, preliminary results of the survey included 1,966 UK retail workers over the last 12 months. The survey is still open with final data to be published in the New Year. The survey also found 70% had been threatened by a customer, and 20% had not reported incidents to their employer including 5% of those assaulted. Usdaw has renewed its call for

shopworkers and demonstrate the need for a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law. “A new protection of shopworkers law comes into force in Scotland, but we are deeply disappointed that the UK government has continued to resist a similar measure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. “The Government has promised to bring forward an amendment to their flagship policing bill in the House of Lords and we urge them to keep their word.” Glyn Roberts, chief executive, Retail NI, said: “During lockdown, retail workers put their own health at risk to ensure people could buy food and other essential items. We fully support Usdaw’s campaign and would urge the NI Executive to follow Scotland’s lead and pass legislation to give shop staff greater protection from such abuse.”

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SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR SHOPWORKER PROTECTION LAW

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PACKAGING & RECYCLING: GO GREEN ALONGSIDE ACTIVE PACKAGING, BAILEY WASTE RECYCLING (NI), FOYLE FOOD GROUP, GRADEALL INTERNATIONAL, SMURFIT KAPPA & HUB PACKAGING

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 56 Number 8 SEPTEMBER 2021 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Sam Butler Sales Manager: Chris Keenan E: c.keenan@mediahuis.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4266 Art Editor: Helen Wright Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

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BUSY MONTH AHEAD FOR THE GROCERY SECTOR

elcome to the September issue of Ulster Grocer. There is much to look forward to this month from our own Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards at the Culloden on Sept 10 to the return of the Balmoral Show over Sept 22-25. On Sept 21, the Retail Industry Awards will be held in London and, with both the Henderson Group (see below) and Musgrave NI (p11) bagging an impressive number of shortlisted entries, Northern Ireland shops look likely to showcase their national excellence. Also this month, Northern Ireland’s high street voucher scheme is set to go live, and will hopefully offer a boost to the retail sector, while a new range of training services aimed at rejuvenating the sector post-lockdown is coming on stream through the Department for the Economy’s Retail Recovery programme (see opposite). Sept 20-26 is the 18th annual Recycle Week, and our ‘packed’ Packaging &

Recycling feature reflects the grocery sector’s increasing focus on improving its sustainability credentials. Alarming new data on climate change, together with the catastrophic evidence of its impact around the globe from flooding to wildfires over the past year, has renewed attention on the need for action. And our feature offers a good overview of some of the ways you can take action to reduce your own packaging and waste and its impact on the environment. Bringing the month to an end, meanwhile, is the second annual Food Force Ireland Online Conference including its Supplier of the Year Awards over September 28-30. A nod is also due to this month’s cover star, Thompson’s Tea, marking 125 years in business. Here’s to raising a cup of its award-winning brew to the impressive milestone…

SPAR, EUROSPAR & VIVO STORES LEAD AWARDS SHORTLIST

PAR, EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA stores in Northern Ireland have been shortlisted 35 times across multiple categories in the UK-wide Retail Industry Awards. Winners are set to be announced in London on September 21, with the 17 independent and company-owned stores in Northern Ireland leading this year’s shortlist. Henderson Retail, which operates 99 SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA stores and supermarkets, has been shortlisted for Best Use of Technology, Chilled Retailer of the Year, Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year and is the only NI retailer to make the Multiple Community Retailer

of the Year shortlist. The company has 10 stores in the shortlist, and the Post Office Retailer of the Year (company owned) and Store Team of the Year categories are made up solely of Henderson Retail stores and teams. SPAR has been shortlisted for Symbol/Franchise Group of the Year. “Once again our independent retailers and Henderson Retail teams have shown why they are the best in the business,” said Paddy Doody, sales & marketing director, Henderson Group. “Not only do they operate successful businesses, but they have created

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NEWS

SECTOR WELCOMES PROPOSALS TO REPLACE EU SUBSIDIES

orthern Ireland is taking its first steps towards replacing the EU Common Agricultural Policy subsidies effectively propping up the farming sector since 1973. Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots published a Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio for Northern Ireland on August 24, with a public consultation on the proposals set to follow this autumn. Representatives from the food and farming sectors have broadly welcomed the Policy Framework, with the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) highlighting an opportunity for the agri-food sector to lead on improving environmental sustainability and its integrity credentials. Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is embracing the Policy Framework’s vision for a productive, profitable and progressive farming sector, while stressing the need to maintain existing levels of support for investment in farming and extend flexibility to different regional needs.

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots published a Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio for Northern Ireland on August 24.

“My ultimate aim is to ensure that Northern Ireland takes full advantage of the opportunity to develop a sustainable agricultural industry in which all farmers are able to make best use of the assets at their disposal and build a legacy of which they can be proud,” said Poots. “This will be underpinned by a set of bespoke measures that will ensure the delivery of productive, profitable, environmentally sustainable, resilient and

supply chain-focused outcomes tailored for Northern Ireland.” Pledging to work with DAERA to offer practical solutions to the policy objectives, Michael Bell, executive director of NIFDA, said: “The drive to net zero carbon emissions is one of the key policy objectives facing governments worldwide. This certainly poses a challenge to food producers and processors in Northern Ireland, but it also provides an opportunity for the industry locally to demonstrate how it can be part of the solution on sustainability, while continuing to grow and remaining competitive internationally.” Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU, said: “We want to work in partnership with government to ensure a predictable and manageable transition process to support the development of a productive, profitable and progressive farming industry as we move forward. As farmers, we need to be equipped with the right tools to be able to meet the growing demand for food both at home and abroad whilst also protecting the environment and meeting the demands of climate change.”

RETAIL RECOVERY PROGRAMME KICKS OFF AT FURTHER ED COLLEGES

Michael Surginor from Henderson Retail pictured at the 2019 Retail Industry Awards, the last time the event was held as a gala ball.

hubs for their communities, growing to bring essential services, supporting local groups and organisations, and innovating to meet challenges head on, especially in the past 18 months.”

espoke retail training, and webinars on available support, accessing finance and people management, were launched last month by NI’s six further education colleges through the Department for the Economy’s Retail Recovery programme. Fully funded through the Department’s Flexible Skills Fund and Skills Focus, the webinar series will be followed from September to December with technical masterclasses and retail skills-based training delivered by Belfast Met, Northern Regional College, North West Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, Southern Regional College and South Western Regional College. The colleges are working in partnership with Retail NI to offer a tailored programme. “The retail sector has been under huge strain since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 and has only recently become fully operational again,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive, Retail NI. “Normal working practices have not

Glyn Roberts, chief executive, Retail NI and Rachel Burns, economic development manager, Belfast Met.

been possible across the sector which is subject to continuous changes in restrictions. The face of retail has changed dramatically, and it is vitally important we support retail skills requirements with a co-ordinated approach from the FE colleges.” For more information, contact Margaret McCabe at mmccabe@belfastmet.ac.uk or visit bit.ly/CollegesRetailRecovery 5

NEWS

FOOD FORCE IRELAND CONFERENCE RETURNING OVER SEPT 28-30

ood Force Ireland, the Northern Ireland buying group for Nisa members, is to host its second FFI Online Conference including Supplier of the Year Awards over September 28-30. Introduced last year to offer an alternative to the group’s usual supplier exhibition and direct trade day during the pandemic, the virtual format will continue this year with three days of afternoon sessions from 2pm to 3.30pm. “Last year’s maiden conference was a huge success, enjoyed by all our members and feedback from suppliers who took part felt it was very beneficial to have the opportunity to engage with the Food Force members,” said Debra Johnston, trading controller, Food Force Ireland.

“This year again we shall have many guest speakers, exciting product launches and promotions and informative presentations from many suppliers. Our members are going to be more involved this year. “We shall of course be presenting the Food Force Ireland Supplier of the Year

Awards, voted for by the FFI members. We have always recognised the importance of our relationships between suppliers and FFI members and now, in these challenging trading times, we need each other more than ever. “The business done at our pre-Covid trade shows was always very significant. Over £1m worth of deals was sold each year. “The Online Conference topped that figure last year and I am hopeful with your support we can achieve or better that number this year too.” For more information on joining the FFI Online Conference 2021, contact Debra on 07970 836763.

LIDL NI AIMING FOR CARBON NEUTRALITY BY 2025 Owen Keogh, head of CSR, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland and JP Scally, CEO, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.

idl Northern Ireland has announced its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral business by 2025, unveiling a

raft of sustainability initiatives including a dedicated Supplier Engagement Programme and EV charging points for customers. The retailer presented a progress report on its sustainability strategy, A Better Tomorrow, on August 24, while also committing to a 46% reduction on its operational emissions by 2030. “At Lidl we believe it is our responsibility to not only offer the best service for our customers, suppliers and communities but to protect the environment and build a successful, sustainable future,” said JP Scally, CEO Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. Key initiatives outlined in the report include a focus on further reducing plastic use and packaging waste, with

Lidl NI committing to 100% of all own-brand packaging being widely recyclable, reusable or renewable by 2025. Additionally, 50% of the materials used in own-brand packaging will come from recycled materials. Lidl Northern Ireland is also developing a dedicated Supplier Engagement Programme, said to be the first of its kind in the retail industry, for collaboration with its key suppliers to develop CSR and sustainability projects. Having already switched to 100% green energy in 2018, Lidl is committed to retrofitting solar panelling across its entire store network by at least 15 stores a year across the island of Ireland. It currently has 74 dedicated customer charging points across its store network.

SHOPPERS REVERT TO PRE-LOCKDOWN GROCERY HABITS

return to pre-pandemic consumer habits of shopping less but more often is continuing in the latest Kantar data, alongside diminishing year-on-year sales of alcohol and home cooking ingredients. While the Northern Ireland grocery market grew by 3.4% in the 52 weeks to August 8, sales were down 6.4% by value and 7.3% by volume year on year in the last 12 weeks. The quarter also saw a decline of 26% for alcohol sales and 26% for home cooking ingredients. While the data suggests a year-on-year decline in the market share of symbol groups, the sector has grown 9.8% to a 7.9% share since August 2019, while other outlets such as butcher’s, bakeries and farm shops have boosted their 6

share by 14.7% to 8.4% over the same period. “Tesco remains Northern Ireland’s largest grocer, increasing its sales by 4.1% compared with last year,” said Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar. “Asda’s sales rose by 3.5%, helping it to hold 16% of the grocery market. Sainsbury’s grew by 2.5% this period as shoppers visited its stores 13.3% more often than this time last year. “Lidl continues to be the fastest growing retailer in Northern Ireland, with sales 12.9% higher than in 2020. This growth came from consumers buying more per trip and going to stores more often, with frequency of visits up 11%.”

STORE FOCUS

THE DAIRY, GLENO Shezzell Horner, Sandra McDowell and Mark McDowell of The Dairy, Glenoe.

REJOICING IN ITS ADDRESS OF 5 WATERFALL ROAD, GLENO, THE DAIRY BISTRO, BUTCHER’S & FARM SHOP HAS A HEAD START MARKETING ITS RUSTIC APPEAL, SUGGESTING NATURAL, WHOLESOME PRODUCE. BUT IT HASN’T ALL BEEN A ‘FAIRY TALE’ FOR SANDRA McDOWELL AND FAMILY, REPORTS BRIAN McCALDEN

ovid-19’s constantly changing regulations, bereavement and planning setbacks all combined to make expansion of the family’s original farm-based butcher’s, farm produce and hardware business challenging. “Both the first and second anniversary of our new bistro, butcher’s and farm store passed by unheralded, as we had been forced to close, reopen and close again, due to the pandemic,” says Sandra McDowell, owner and manager of The Dairy in Gleno. Undeterred, the bistro and shop are now powering ahead: “We now have a footfall that regularly exceeds 1,500 customers a week in the restaurant, all of which – appropriately – feeds into boosting the original trade in the extended farm shop,” she says. “Being a short walk from the National Trust’s Gleno Waterfall and the picturesque and historic village itself all helps enormously.” While ‘word of mouth’ and their own social media have all combined to drive the shop trade, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Shaped by Sea and 8

Caleb Stratton.

Stone campaign also played its part. “Thankfully, the council’s campaign, marketing the waterfall as a tourist attraction, was produced to combine The Dairy as a ’must see’ for visitors to enjoy in tandem with the National Trust’s beautiful waterfall,” she says. LONG HOURS Not that Sandra has much time to enjoy

the scenery herself, as she rises after 6am and doesn’t get ‘home’ much before 11pm, most days. Dairyside Stores, the family’s original hardware shop, and Dairyside Feeds, their animal meal supply business, continue apace. Both businesses open six days a week and the bistro, seven. “So, although we live and work on our adjacent farm, raising beef and lamb, there is little time for anything other than hard work,” says Sandra. “We are proud to say that almost all of the produce we stock in the farm shop and the restaurant is from quality, local suppliers right here in Northern Ireland, including our own beef and lamb. “The shop is also a showroom for a broad and varied range of artisanal products at any one time, ranging from chutneys to chocolates, breads, sauces and sweet treats. “Vegan and vegetarian produce feature strongly in both the shop and bistro, so everyone can get something to enjoy.” While the whole building is newly built, with over 60 carparking spaces plus an overflow, loads of outside dining space

STORE FOCUS

and a separate food production facility, the entire project is rustic in nature. Historically, a co-operative creamery was founded on site in 1914 to fairly market produce from the local farming community. Then, the Gleno creamery and dairy was established in 1933. “The Dairy has been a prominent part of the community in Gleno throughout the years, having served as a number of different functions in its time; therefore, we are now pleased to operate as a farm store, butcher’s and bistro to maintain this heritage,” she says. “The Dairy has retained the spirit of the 1930s business and you will find tangible evidence of the past in the furnishings inside. Original beams have been reused as benches and many artefacts from the business are integral to the design and an impressive internal design feature gives a new life to windows from the old building. “Even the corrugated iron roofing has been literally pressed into use as interior doors. There is also a unique seat made from the conveyor belt at the dairy and the old weighing scales are on display.” The original hardware business, which is still retained today, was started by Alex and Agnes McDowell in the mid-1940s, the late Robert’s parents, and expanded into a van delivery service. Originally for hardware deliveries, the van soon became a mobile shop, with a range of grocery produce added. “That really kicked off the business,” says Sandra. “Robert and I inherited that entrepreneur spirit, which is now run by me and our children, who are also proving their expertise.” MARKETING Son Mark looks after the company’s online presence, managing the website, Facebook and Instagram. “We currently have in excess of 10,000 followers on Facebook and more than 5,000 on Instagram,” she says. “As we don’t advertise much in the traditional sense, these have proved to be vital marketing tools.” Mark also looks after all their photography and the business accounts

as well as the ever-expanding payroll. “There are now over 25 staff, which means we are a substantial employer in an otherwise isolated village,” says Sandra. Daughter Alana, a graphic designer, looks after all the menu designs, graphics and associated posters and artworks. Alana says: “We have a great team onboard that have expertly curated and crafted our menu, from concept to delivery. “The provision of local products, providing employment for local people, meticulous attention to cleanliness, and trying to give the best service possible are all in keeping with how the original dairy had its own unique products. “Our chefs pride themselves in being able to cater for everyone. Our menu has a wide range of breakfast and lunch dishes suitable for meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans and celiacs. “The bespoke products include our very own The Dairy coffee brand, supplied by Wild Heart Coffee Roasters and made specially for us here in Gleno, and as the village was in more recent times the original home of Maud’s Ice Cream, we market both products in store and in the restaurant. “We are also an exclusive stockist of Gleno Valley honey, a locally produced honey made personally by the grandson of the manager of the original creamery. “Of course, the National Trust own the magnificent waterfall which annually attracts visitors from near and far and in the better times ahead, this will be especially so as the Gleno Valley is ancestral home to US presidents and others of Scotch-Irish descent.” Sandra says: “Our own livestock go to Lakeview Meats in Crumlin for slaughter

and then are butchered in our own extensive food production facility, right on site. “We make our sausages and burgers by hand daily. We also have an extensive selection of stuffed fillets, marinated chicken pieces, pies and bakes etc all handmade in-store.” The shop attracts increasing custom from the busy bistro as well as the usual retail trade and the range is fast increasing. Peppup sauces, Ewing’s fish, Forest Feast snacks, Suki teas, Deli Muru jams and chutneys, Taste Joy peanut butter, Irish Black Butter, Carolyn Stewart’s pickles, Delish fudge and honeycomb, Melting Pot fudge, Neary Nogs chocolate, Born & Bred products, Ann’s Pantry and even Go Native dog treats and Frozzy’s frozen dog yogurt all jostle for space on the rustic shelves of the farm shop. The bistro was also granted licensed status in September of last year and proudly pours craft beers from local breweries Mourne Mountains and Heaney, as well an alternating guest beer, in additional to an extensive range of carefully selected wines and cocktails. Looking ahead, Sandra remains positive: “Last year, Christmas hampers featured strongly, with all the varied contents cooked fresh and produced by ourselves,” she says. “With Covid restrictions all but removed, that delivered fresh concept and our other varied work mean the future is bright,” Sandra says, adding, that despite the relatively remote location, footfall is obviously increasing with the hospitality business and retailing side boosting one another.

RETAIL NEWS - INDEPENDENTS

HILLSBOROUGH FARMERS’ MARKET RETURNS TO SHOWCASE LOCAL PRODUCE

isburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced the return of its popular Hillsborough Farmers’ Market along The Dark Walk, to be held from 10am-3pm on the last From left, Victoria Allen, Potters Hill Plants; Saturday of August, Hannah & Shane Donaldson, Spontaneous September and October. Deuce; Alderman Amanda Grehan, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Development Last month’s market Committee chair; and Aaron Heasley, Moon represented the first Gelato. major food and drink event in the Council’s 2021 events calendar and, since the last market was held pre-pandemic, Hillsborough has been granted Royal Status. Visitors can expect a diverse range of seasonal produce, horticulture, craft and sustainable living products from producers and vendors across Northern Ireland. Artisan producers set to attend include Buchanan’s Farm Shop, Ballyriff Buffalo, Castlescreen Farm, Deli Muru, Ispini Charcuterie, Indie Fude’s artisan Irish cheese stall, Tom & Ollie and Cavanagh Eggs, as well as coffee and street food specialists The Fancy Fox and The Hatch. The open-air market has extended its reach into the grounds of the historic Fort to allow for increased space for social distancing.

POST OFFICE INTRODUCES NEW EASYID IDENTIFICATION APP

ost Office customers can now collect parcels and letters using free app EasyID for easier ID verification, replacing documents such as a passport or driving licence. People getting parcels sent to Post Offices for collection, including customers of online retailers or getting missed mail deliveries sent to a local Post Office, will be able to use the app. Created by digital company Yoti, it can also be used as ID when buying age-restricted products including medicines, lottery tickets, computer games and other online transactions requiring identification. “The app allows customers to build their own secure digital identity on their smartphone, enabling them to easily control and prove who they are to whichever business they want to interact with,” said Nick Read, chief executive at the Post Office. “For Postmasters, the app brings a range of particular advantages. As well as making the collection process faster, it will encourage people to choose delivery to Post Offices and help drive footfall. In addition, the app can be used for proof of age in Post Offices and shops, to buy age-restricted items including lottery tickets and medicines.” Post Office EasyID app can be downloaded from Android Play or the Apple App Store. Meanwhile, a new partnership announced last month will also see DPD deliver parcels directly to Post Offices as a convenient collection location.

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

LOCAL VIVO STORES CELEBRATE 40TH & 10TH ANNIVERSARIES

wo local ViVo Essentials retailers, in Rostrevor and the Darraghcross and Raffrey community, have marked their respective 40th and 10th anniversaries with the Henderson Group symbol brand. The Rostrevor retailer, originally trading as Clarkes VG since 1952, has been a pillar in the local community for almost 70 years. Kieran Clarke, his team and family currently support St Bronagh’s GAA and Rossowen Soccer Club, as well as regularly fundraising for Life and Time, an end-oflife care service in nearby Warrenpoint. Clarke’s ViVO originally resided at Kilbrony Road before moving to its current location at Newtown Road in 2000 after a

Aidan and Caroline Smyth celebrated the 10th anniversary of their ViVO Essentials store with their children Ryan and Tara and Jamie Graham from the Henderson Group.

The Clarke family are pictured with Jamie Graham from Henderson Group, celebrating their ViVo Essentials store’s 40th anniversary.

£300,000 investment creating space for a wider range of products. Meanwhile, Caroline and Aidan Smyth are celebrating 10 years of their ViVO store serving as the hub of the Darraghcross and Raffrey community. The couple and their growing team have been providing a high-quality choice of products, services and support to the area since they opened in 2011, bringing the National Lottery in store alongside Barista Bar coffee, the Post Office and an off licence and opening their famous ice cream parlour. The shop supports charity partner Age NI, and fundraised for a defibrillator which is now available 24/7 to the community.

SUPERVALU & CENTRA STORES SHORTLISTED AT RETAIL INDUSTRY AWARDS

ocal SuperValu and Centra retailers have gained 13 short listings in the Retail Industry Awards 2021, with both brands shortlisted in the Symbol/Franchise Group of the Year category. The UK-wide Awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement across a broad range of categories, recognising independent retailers alongside large supermarket groups. “It’s been an incredibly challenging period for our retailers, and their teams have worked tirelessly to serve their local communities throughout the pandemic,” said Trevor Magill, managing director of Musgrave NI. “The short listings are testament to this hard work and commitment, and we’re looking forward to celebrating this level of excellence at the awards ceremony.” Shortlisted stores include Lilley’s Centra, Dublin Road, Enniskillen (Drinks Retailer of the Year, Food-to-go Retailer of the Year, Independent Retailer of

the Year 1,201sq ft to 3,000sq ft, Store Team of the Year); Centra A1, Banbridge (Food-to-go Retailer of the Year); McCool’s SuperValu Kells (Chilled Retailer of the Year); McDade’s Centra, Clogher and Patterson’s Centra M1, Dungannon (both Forecourt Retailer of the Year); Lusty’s Centra Larne (Independent Retailer of the Year 3,001sq ft to 6,000sq ft); and Woods’ SuperValu Fruitfield (Independent Retailer of the Year over 6,000sq ft). The Retail Industry Awards 2021 will be held on September 21 in London.

Lilley’s Centra Enniskillen won Food to go Retailer of the Year in 2019, and has been shortlisted again in a number of categories this year.

RETAIL NEWS - MULTIPLES

LIDL NI OPENS NEW £5M STORE IN NEWRY

“Buttercrane Shopping Centre is a strategic site in the heart of Newry city and we’re delighted to transform a pivotal unit within the centre,” said Conor Boyle, regional director for Lidl Northern Ireland. “We’re looking forward to bringing an expanded range of fresh, high-quality products and market-leading value to more shoppers in the city and welcoming both old and new customers for a first-class shopping experience.” Occupying a space of 2,190 square metres, including an expansive sales floor of almost 1,400 square metres, the store has been built to Lidl’s concept design prioritising spacious, wide aisles, long tills, restrooms, staff and baby-changing facilities. Customers can also avail of a significantly larger bakery space. Lidl Northern Ireland’s latest store prioritises sustainability and benefits including an ISO 50001-certified Energy Management System and two electric vehicle charger spaces within its 105-space car park. Customers spending more than £10 in-store at Lidl can also avail of free parking for 90 minutes.

DELI LITES WRAPS UP NEW DEAL WITH ASDA

Emma Swan, Asda buying manager for NI Local, and Barbara Hawkins, key account manager at DELI LITES.

idl Northern Ireland opened a new £5m store at the Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry on August 26, replacing its existing store at Bagenal’s Castle on Abbey Way. The expanded store creates 15 new, permanent retail jobs in addition to a current team of 35 and has supported 200 workers throughout its development and construction phase which commenced in March this year.

o Down-based DELI LITES has secured a contract to supply over 20 products to Asda stores across Northern Ireland for the first time. The new lines include Salt ‘N’ Chilli Wraps, Chicken, Stuffing & Coleslaw Sandwiches, and Free-Range Egg & Sweet Cure Bacon Sandwiches, as well as Salted Caramel Brownies and Honeycomb Haste Treat Bars. “We are delighted to be able to extend the reach of our food to-go-products throughout Northern Ireland as a result of these new listings with Asda,” said Barbara Hawkins, key account manager at DELI LITES. “Not only will Asda shoppers have a variety of new and nostalgic flavours to choose from, but they

can rest assured that when they pick one of our premium artisan lunches, they are picking a product that supports other local suppliers created with a social conscience.” Emma Swan, Asda buying manager for NI Local, said: “We are delighted to offer our customers such a wide range of new food-to-go products from DELI LITES. At Asda we pride ourselves on supporting local and it is brilliant to welcome DELI LITES as a new supplier. “DELI LITES is committed to reducing the company’s carbon footprint as well as providing tasty treats and lunches; we are sure shoppers will enjoy these sandwiches, wraps, snacks and sweet treats.”

MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE TIM McCARTHY, FOUNDER, BLACKFIRE ARTISAN FOODS WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I am founder and owner of Blackfire Artisan Foods, a small business specialising in chilli sauces for a range of culinary applications. I am responsible for all aspects of the small business including administration, product development and production, marketing and sales, invoicing and chasing up accounts. BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE I’ve developed a career in food that’s influenced by my upbringing on the Springfield Road in Belfast and my parents; my mother was a prolific baker and maker of curries which was unusual in the 1970s where I grew up. My father was a keen fisherman. I started art college in Belfast to study for a degree in silversmithing, which I didn’t finish as I was offered the opportunity to spend six months in Cameroon on expedition with Operation Raleigh in the Korup rainforest. I came back and joined the BBC Youth programmes unit for seven years. However, I felt frustrated that I couldn’t express my artistic side. So, I left and became a full-time artist specialising in murals and street art. I still do murals to this day on an occasional basis under the name Verz.

WHEN DID YOU TAKE UP THIS POST? I set up the business in 2014 to enable me to combine my passion for good local food with creativity from my career as a professional artist. I decided to do so because I was unable to find the type of hot chilli sauces I love anywhere here. It also involved starting to grow my own chillis for the sauces.

evening after the family have been fed and I’m a bit more relaxed.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? I love the freedom to be creative that being an artisan food entrepreneur offers. I also enjoy sharing experiences and ideas with other artisan food businesses here at markets and other public events. Running such a small food business in such a regulated industry, of course, can be quite a challenge. Paperwork is a bit of a bind.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I love to travel with my wife and family to anywhere in Italy. We go off the beaten track - my wife speaks fluent Italian - and tend to avoid tourist traps. We have been to some amazing places. A tiny village south of Naples called Perdifumo has the strongest memories for us. I would love to visit Bhaktapur in Nepal again. It’s where we went on honeymoon. It’s a place that is stunning and timeless.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY I am up before 7am and start with a strong coffee with my wife, then help her get our two daughters out to school. I then go through the list of things about the company that need done until lunchtime in the office. I have a varied day between pottering around in our polytunnel, designing and painting murals, cooking for the family and, of course, producing the sauces for customers. This is all done by hand and includes labelling bottles which can be very time consuming. Paperwork is generally left until the

BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? Chatting to people who are as passionate about food as I am. This could be people at a food market or other producers. I enjoy talking to Davide Thani of Velo Cheese, for instance, about Italian food. We travel to Italy every year and the country has become part of my DNA.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I would like to be musical or at least belt out a song or two in polite company. I was banned from singing at grammar school by the music teacher as I sounded like ‘a cat on the yard wall’. Being around trees is my happy place. This often means long walks in Belvoir Forest Park or the Lagan Tow Path with the dog and family. They are right on my doorstep.

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NICHOLL OILS, NORTHERN IRELAND’S LARGEST DISTRIBUTOR OF LOW-COST OILS, HAS ADDED A FURTHER NICHOLL AUTO 365 TO ITS GROWING PORTFOLIO OF AUTOMATED FORECOURTS

he new forecourt situated on the Knock Road in Ballymoney offers customers the opportunity to fuel their vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week through state-ofthe-art fuel pumps. Ballymoney is the latest location to join the growing list of Nicholl-branded forecourts with sites already in operation in Bangor, Ballymena, Carryduff, Coleraine, Junction 1, Limavady, Greysteel and Derry/L’Derry. With fuel grades such as Diesel, Unleaded, Kerosene, Gas Oil (Red Diesel) and Ad Blue all available at the new forecourt, Nicholls is ensuring the forecourt meets the needs of its customers. Early customers to Ballymoney were treated to a fantastic opening week special offer and the forecourt became an instant hit with the local community with several additional loads of fuel

Margaret Gallagher on the new site as the fuel tanks were lowered into position.

required to meet the demand. Margaret Gallagher, Retail Petrol and Wholesale manager for the Nicholl Group, oversaw the build of the forecourt and was on site during the opening weekend to welcome the first customers onto the forecourt alongside the Nicholl Oils Facility Management Team. “The local community have been so lovely to us throughout the duration of the project, from the very first day our teams went on site, right through to today and we are pleased to say the Nicholl brand has received a very 14

warm reception. Some of our neighbours on the Knock Road have watched this forecourt come to fruition over the past number of months and have come over to personally welcome us to the area and to comment on how well the site looks. We are very grateful for all the kind words, well wishes and good luck messages we have received both in person, by email and through our social media channels.” The first customers to the new forecourt, Martin and Lynette McLean, with their dog Ted.

Gary Nicholl, sales director, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring 24-hour fuel facilities to the Ballymoney area, the forecourt has been in the pipeline for a while now and the team in house

ADVERTORIAL alongside our suppliers worked so well together on this project to finish on schedule and to bring great quality fuel at very competitive prices to Ballymoney.” The new forecourt in Ballymoney is also equipped with additional forecourt features such as a laundrette, Air & Water and also has plans for a Coffee Pod. 2022 will be a special year for the Nicholl family and all of their team but it seems the company still has a lot to tick off on their to-do list before then. Gary Nicholl is looking ahead to next year: “We are celebrating our 60th year in business next year and we have a few more projects on target for completion before we reach another big milestone. It is our aim to have a network of convenient, automated, 24-hour forecourts available across the province enabling customers to have easy, fast access to quality fuel of all grades including future fuels such as our new Clean Air Renewable HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) Diesel. Work is already well underway on our next project and we are looking forward to making an announcement soon so keep an eye on our website and social media platforms to see what we have coming next.” You can find the new Nicholl Auto 365 on the Knock Road, Ballymoney, BT53 6LX and it is open now or visit www.nicholloils.com to find a list of Nicholl Auto 365 locations.

LYNCH’S SPAR CLONOE COMPLETES £600K REFIT INCLUDING A NEW NICHOLL BRANDED FORECOURT

he team at Lynch’s has had an exciting and busy year with the refit of their store in Clonoe, with 30 members of staff working together to offer customers a wide range of services such as a Post Office, an ATM, toilets, deli, delicious coffee along with a butchery, pre-prepared meal ranges and their new Nichollbranded fuel forecourt. Lynch’s has worked alongside the team at Nicholl Oils since August 2018 and is proud to offer its customers a variety of fuel grades under the canopy of another local family run company. Lynch’s, which is renowned for outstanding customer service, operates in the grocery sector under the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands and employs over 370 people across its eight stores all located in the North West and Mid Ulster areas. Paul Lynch is pleased with how his new forecourt at Clonoe has finished up: “Both the shop and the forecourt look great and the reception from customers has really been overwhelming. We couldn’t be happier with the overall outcome.”

Lynch’s will once again work alongside Nicholl Oils on its next project, an £800k fit out of a brandnew store in Greysteel. The Nicholl Automated 365 Forecourt opened early in 2020 and provides customer with 24-hour access to fuel. Connie Burns-Wolfe, marketing manager for the Nicholl Oils Group, is particularly excited for the opening of the new store in Greysteel: “We opened the Greysteel Nicholl Auto 365 Forecourt right before the Covid-19 pandemic really came into force and from March 2020 we were able to provide essential workers with 24-hour fuel access. This gave us a great sense of price in our 365 forecourts across the province and many customers who have been using the Greysteel forecourt have asked us about the adjacent store and when it will be opening. Everyone at our Head Office in Greysteel are looking forward to the team at Lynch’s being our new neighbours.”

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A NEW STAR IN

CREGGAN CROSS…

CR Retailing Ltd is one of the first STAR-branded retailers to complete a forecourt facelift under the new brand image of STAR fuels. The STAR brand is owned by Nicholl Fuel Oils and currently supplies fuel to over 30 STAR-branded filling stations across the province. The Nicholl Group decided that 2021 was the year for a complete rebrand for STAR which would see the brand fall under the recogniseable red, black and white colours currently used in the Nicholl branding for both their 365 automated forecourts and their home heating oil division. Chris Robb, director of CCR Retailing Ltd, has been working with Nicholl Oils

for the past three years. The previous owner had been working with Nicholl Oils for nine years before that. Now, with 14 members of staff on both full- and part-time capacity, the store really does impact the local community ensuring it meets the needs of its customers both instore and on the forecourt. Connie Burns-Wolfe, marketing manager for Nicholl Oils, commented on the new STAR branding, saying: “The new brand image is so fresh, modern and attractive. From seeing it on the original concept drawings to now in place on Chris’s forecourt is just brilliant. We wish Chris and his team all the very best under the bright lights of the new STAR brand.”

FULLAN’S FOOD HALL PORTGLENONE

nother longstanding local family business with a trusted relationship with Nicholl Oils is Fullan’s Food Hall in Portglenone. The 12,000-square-foot EUROSPAR store has also recently undergone a forecourt rebrand to reflect Nicholl Oils’ new branding image for their retail fuel division, STAR. With 100-plus staff members who look after their customers by providing a high level of customer service across their in-store Post Office, off licence, ice cream counter and the wide range

of fresh produce and meat, it is clear to see why the store has a loyal customer base. The team at Nicholls is excited to work alongside Michael, Patrick and their team to give their customers the opportunity to make the Fullan’s Food Hall Portglenone a one-stop shop for fuel, groceries and more. We wish Michael and all his team the very best with the newly branded forecourt and everyone at Nicholl Oils will continue to support Fullan’s Food Hall long into the future.

THE NEW BRAND IMAGE IS SO FRESH, MODERN AND ATTRACTIVE. FROM SEEING IT ON THE ORIGINAL CONCEPT DRAWINGS TO NOW IN PLACE ON CHRIS’S FORECOURT IS JUST BRILLIANT. WE WISH CHRIS AND HIS TEAM ALL THE VERY BEST UNDER THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF THE NEW STAR BRAND.

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NICHOLL OILS CONGRATULATES RYAN AND CIARA CATHCART ON THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW CENTRABRANDED STORE ALONG WITH THEIR NEW NICHOLLBRANDED FORECOURT AND TRUCK STOP

yan and Ciara Cathcart already own three Centra stores in Magherafelt and Ballymena and have recently opened their fourth store on the Roguery Road in Toome. They have paired their store with a new Nicholl-branded forecourt, giving customers, both locals and passers-by, the opportunity to purchase quality fuel at competitive prices. Margaret Gallagher, Retail Petrol and Wholesale manager for the Nicholl Group, worked closely with Ryan Cathcart on the completion of the forecourt: “Everyone at the Nicholl Group wishes Ryan and Ciara all the very best with the new store and forecourt. This has been a fantastic project to work on on behalf of Nicholls and we urge customers to not only fill up their vehicle but to fuel themselves up instore on the delicious food to go on offer, grab a coffee and maybe even an ice cream before continuing their journey.” Ronan McKinney, commercial sales supervisor for Nicholl Oils, said: “This isn’t the first time Cathcart’s and Nicholls have teamed up to supply fuel to customers in certain parts of the province. We already supply and deliver fuel to their STAR-branded forecourt in Magherafelt and now to the new store in Toome under the Nicholl brand. Margaret has kept us all up to date back at head office of the progress of not only the forecourt but the store too and now to see the photos of the store open and trading, we wish the Cathcart’s nothing but success.” Grades of fuel available at the forecourt (where fuel cards are also accepted) are Diesel, Unleaded, Kerosene and AdBlue. With spacious parking for cars and a truck stop, there really is something for everyone at Cathcart’s Toome. Follow Nicholl Oils and Cathcart’s Toome on both Facebook and Instagram for updates on upcoming fuel promotions and instore promotions. 17

ADVERTORIAL

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR ALLERGEN LABELLING CHANGES? THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR 1 OCTOBER 2021 WHEN THE LAW ON ALLERGEN LABELLING FOR PREPACKED FOR DIRECT SALE (PPDS) FOODS COMES INTO EFFECT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

he new rules on how PPDS foods are labelled are being introduced following the tragic death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse from an allergic reaction caused by a prepacked baguette which, at the time, did not require allergen information to be included on the label. The PPDS legislation, also known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, means that any food business selling PPDS foods will have to include the name of the food and the full ingredients list on the product label. Any of the 14 identified allergenic ingredients present must be emphasised within that list. Many sectors of the food industry in Northern Ireland, from bakers, butchers and street food vendors to takeaway and fast-food restaurants, have been finding out about these new labelling requirements and taking action to make necessary changes. PPDS food is food which is packaged at the same place it is offered or sold to consumers and is placed in sealed packaging before it is ordered or selected. It can include food that consumers select themselves (eg from a display unit) as well as products kept behind a counter and some food sold at mobile or temporary outlets. Maria Jennings, director of the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland, stated: “The new food allergen labelling changes will be a great step forward for people with food allergies. The FSA’s ambition is that the UK becomes the best place in the world for people with food hypersensitivities. “We know that it will be a significant effort for the food industry to comply with the new rules. We want to ensure businesses feel supported and informed so we are encouraging businesses to make full use of the tools, guidance and resources available on the FSA website.” To help food businesses identify whether they provide PPDS food and what changes they may need to make to comply with the new law, a PPDS Hub of resources has been developed on the FSA website at www.food.gov.uk/ppds. 18

THE FSA’S AMBITION IS THAT THE UK BECOMES THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD FOR PEOPLE WITH FOOD HYPERSENSITIVITIES. Here, a PPDS toolkit for food businesses and sector specific guidance provide an overview of the new rules, labelling and technical guidance and a food labelling decision tool. EXAMPLES OF PPDS FOOD CAN INCLUDE: • Sandwiches and bakery products which are packed on site before a consumer selects or orders them • Fast food packed before it is ordered, such as a burger under a hot lamp where the food cannot be altered without opening the packaging • Products which are pre-packaged on site ready for sale, such as pizzas, rotisserie chicken, salads and pasta pots • Burgers and sausages pre-packaged by a butcher on the premises ready for sale to consumers • Foods packaged and then sold elsewhere by the same operator at a market stall or mobile site

FOOD THAT ISN’T PPDS • Any food that is not in packaging or is packaged after being ordered by the consumer. These are types of nonprepacked food and do not require a label with name, ingredients and allergens emphasised. Allergen information must still be provided but this can be done through other means, including orally. • Food packed by one business and supplied to another business. This is prepacked food and already must have full labelling, including the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised within it.

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

FOOD NI STEPPING UP PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES TO DRIVE SALES OF LOCAL FOOD & DRINK BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

t’s great to be working again with a number of organisations to promote local food and drink sales as pandemic restrictions on outdoor and indoor events are being steadily relaxed. This important work includes collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces for the imaginative Honey Fair at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, and with the RUAS on the resumed Food Pavilion at Balmoral Park and with Invest NI’s dedicated Food and Drink Division at the Lunch trade show in London’s Earl’s Court. It was also encouraging to see Speciality Food and Fine Food Fair, the UK’s biggest showcase of food and drink for smaller companies in particular open once again and featuring six local companies. The show, closely associated with the UK Great Taste awards, featured four companies in the Invest NI presentation – Burren Balsamics, Noisy Nuts, Nuttin’ But and Rich Sauces. Two companies, Forest Feast and Lecale Harvest, had their own stands at the event. Encouragingly five of the six are active Food NI members. Speciality Food and Lunch are significant because they enabled our companies to pitch their products to international buyers face to face for the first time in ages. We also supported the industry throughout the pandemic by means of our social media channels and website. But face-to-face interaction is hard to beat. The resumption of such events here and outside Northern Ireland will help companies of all sizes and across every product category to accelerate the growth in sales of our strategically important agri-food industry; an industry which has grown in terms of new products and sales during the pandemic. The latest statistics on food and drink here are very encouraging and continue to show the massive contribution to the local economy by the industry. The latest Northern Ireland Food and Drinks Processing Report from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) shows that the industry racked up a 4% rise in turnover to £5.4bn in 2019 – before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. While it remains to be seen how 20

Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol will impact what is our biggest manufacturing industry, there’s a clear requirement to step up support to our companies to grow in key markets, including Northern Ireland postpandemic.

INVEST NI HAS BEEN BUSY DURING THE PANDEMIC, IN PARTICULAR, ON PROVIDING ZOOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPANIES TO MARKET THEIR PRODUCTS TO GROUPS OF BUYERS. We would like to see, for instance, a similar initiative here to Love British Food which has produced very worthwhile sales for smaller food processors there through a series of creative initiatives with the companies in Britain and various bodies representing retail, hospitality, education and the public sector. Our Year of Food & Drink in 2016 was an outstanding success and generated great PR and business opportunities for our companies. We are geared for such an initiative for our most important industry.

Such an approach would support the growth of the local industry by assisting our efforts to raise the level of awareness of local food and drink among shoppers and contribute to the local community and the wellbeing of the rural areas in particular. The next DAERA report should show if anecdotal evidence that the pandemic encouraged sales of local food from delis, farm shops and other specialist stores is fact. Certainly, we’ve seen an encouraging growth in such stores across Northern Ireland and more people appear to be supporting family butchers, greengrocers, home bakeries and local delivery schemes. Existing specialist retailers such as butchers and greengrocers have also added artisan foods to their offering and some hospitality outlets have expanded to become grocerants, adding a range of local food to their restaurant. The latest statistics show that full-time employment has continued to grow steadily. And its overall value to the local economy has also increased. Immensely important too is the finding that sales (pre-Northern Ireland Protocol) to Great Britain have increased, strengthening our position in this marketplace. In addition, exports to the Republic of Ireland and countries outside the EU are up. Anecdotal evidence suggests that our sales to the Republic have grown substantially post Protocol. But Britain accounts for almost 48% of sales. We would wish to see sales to the Republic continuing to grow alongside efforts to ensure new opportunities in Britain. Eight out of the 10 sub sectors recorded an increase in their levels of gross turnover between 2018 and 2019. Most sectors experienced growth in total gross turnover including milk and milk products, pig meat, bakery, and drinks. Our hope is that the growth has been maintained over the pandemic period because overall economic recovery will need a strong food and drink industry that is market-led and able to invest in new ideas for both local and export consumers. The trends that have emerged for healthy and sustainable food and drink do seem to be here for the long term.

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CREATING MEMORABLE AND MEANINGFUL MOMENTS ELLEN WRIGHT, BRAND MARKETING MANAGER AT MOY PARK, TALKS TO UG

Ellen Wright, brand manager, and Hannah Clarke, culinary technologist, Moy Park.

WHAT NPD HAS MOY PARK LAUNCHED THIS SUMMER? For summer 2021, we developed a range of new Moy Park branded products across three categories - Ready to Cook, Added Value and BBQ – all of which have been carefully crafted to bring consumers something different when it comes to chicken. With more Moy Park products on shelves, we have seen an increase in our brand awareness across the island of Ireland. Moy Park is now present at more family meal times, from Sunday roasts to quick and easy mid-week dinners – there really is something for everyone. AND THE BUSINESS HAS ALSO PICKED UP NEW CONTRACTS? It’s been a great year for the brand. Back in April we secured listings for 12 of our branded products in Asda for the first time. With products listed across three categories - barbecue, ready to cook and added value - and including Mango Lime & Coconut Chicken Mini Fillets, Sweet Chilli Drums and Thighs, and an Extra Tasty Roast in the Bag whole chicken, we’re bringing consumers tried and tested family flavours, combined with world cuisine influences. We also secured a supply contract for six of our branded products in 33 Tesco stores across Northern Ireland, which is another fantastic endorsement for the brand. We pride ourselves on being 24

market leaders in innovation and staying ahead of consumer trends, and we are thrilled to be bringing these ranges to Tesco shoppers. This further enhances our presence in Northern Ireland and follows listings with Co-Op and Sainsbury’s earlier this year, where we launched a number of our breaded, ready to eat and primary lines. Hot on the heels of the Tesco news and another first for the company, we secured a contract with Iceland Ireland to supply 12 branded products to 27 of its stores across the Republic of Ireland. The new lines incorporate BBQ and coated chicken products, including our signature garlic and herb kievs, southern fried mini fillets and Cajun chicken sizzlers, as well as ready-to-eat roast chicken breast fillets. We have also launched in Marks and Spencer Ireland stores, with Fajita Chicken Chunks and Tomato and Basil Steaks just some of our mouth-watering products on offer. WHAT OTHER ACTIVITY HAS THE BRAND BEEN INVOLVED IN OVER THE SUMMER? Last summer, our community Chicken Run initiative rolled out successfully in Northern Ireland and the East Midlands. We recognise our role in contributing to the wellbeing of those in the local areas in which we operate, and through our Chicken Run initiative, it was our hope that each food box would help

a household and remind us all how kind and neighbourly we are in local communities. Given the success of the initiative last year, we knew we had to bring it back for summer 2021. We felt it was important to reflect on the past 12 months and appreciate what our consumers have been through and how their lifestyles have changed. Now that we can meet outdoors with family and friends again, we wanted to show how our brand is an integral part of getting people together, be it at a picnic or a barbecue, and we would love to see Moy Park products playing a role in creating new memorable and meaningful moments. After driving north, south, east and west across Ireland, we crossed the water to the East Midlands in August for the ‘last leg’ of Chicken Run as summer comes to a close. WHAT ARE MOY PARK’S PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR? With summer coming to an end, and with back to school, university and the office on the horizon for some, our lives are getting busier. At Moy Park we want to bring people of all ages together with good food and meals in minutes, and to satisfy all tastes and at times to suit, from every occasion including Halloween and Christmas. Products are at the epicentre of this campaign, seamlessly fitting in with our consumers’ busy lives, featuring our signature Garlic and Herb Kievs, our roast in the bag whole chicken along with many other family favourites. This campaign will represent all the Moy Park audiences, including Gen Z couples working from home, and our extended and blended families. The campaign will be live across social media, YouTube, video on demand and Google display network. We will also be running a number of competitions to treat and delight our customers.

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10 YEARS PLATINUM: SPAR NI RETURNS AS PLATINUM SPONSOR OF BALMORAL SHOW

he Balmoral Show returns this autumn after an 18-month break, and SPAR NI is continuing its longterm support of the show, celebrating its 10th year as a Platinum Sponsor for the biggest agricultural event in Northern Ireland. And as the sector battles through the challenges of the past few years, from Brexit to Covid, SPAR NI remains committed to those local suppliers who have kept food on their store shelves and are championing local farmers and producers more than ever before. Bronagh Luke, head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group which owns SPAR in Northern Ireland, recently attended the launch of the 2021 Balmoral Show and says their local links are what sets them apart in the local grocery sector, with their roster of local suppliers growing year on year. “There are now 300 SPAR stores in Northern Ireland, all of which are supplied by Northern Ireland’s top food suppliers, farmers and producers, distributed from our Wholesale warehouse in Mallusk. 28

Providing fresh, local and quality produce for our stores is what we excel at, and that couldn’t be achieved without our links with the agri-food community here in Northern Ireland. “Our fresh and ambient food teams have worked side by side with the hundreds of producers that stock our shelves and make up our own-brand fresh products, especially during the challenges of Covid and Brexit from the past couple

THE BALMORAL SHOW HAS ALSO ALWAYS BEEN A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO SUPPORT OUR CHARITY PARTNERS of years. It is more important than ever to keep our local agri-food industry thriving and we are looking forward to the opportunities the Balmoral Show brings for those in the sector to continue what they do best.”

SPAR NI will open the on-site shop for both exhibitors and visitors, where fresh sandwiches, snacks and coffees can be purchased. Visitors can also pick up a now iconic red Stetson SPAR hat for a donation, all proceeds of which go towards charity partners, Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children. Bronagh finished: “The Balmoral Show has also always been a fantastic opportunity for us to support our charity partners, and we look forward to seeing red SPAR hats popping up throughout the Show this year, especially as we continue to fundraise through SPAR NI’s 60th anniversary for Marie Curie.” SPAR is also sponsoring the entertainment zones for Balmoral this year, including the SPAR Arena which will have a host of family entertainment, as well as the SPAR Children’s Farm in the Healthy Horticulture Village. The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will return to Balmoral Park from Wednesday 22nd September to Saturday 25th September 2021. Tickets are available to purchase online.

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HOVIS® IRELAND BAKERIES STRONG BRANDS AND GREAT PARTNERS

ovis has a successful and exciting portfolio including Hovis, ORMO®, Mother’s Pride® and is the Northern Ireland distributor for New York Bakery Company®, Premier Cake and Mission Foods. The range offers leading and established brands that can be tailored to all of our customers’ range requirements. Hovis is Northern Ireland’s #1 Pre Packaged Bread brand, enjoying continued share growth with a unit

share of 35% and +5% unit growth vs last year1. Hovis is one of the most recognisable brands and was recently named by Kantar as Northern Ireland’s #No 1 Food and Drinks brand for a consecutive year2. Hovis Soft White, ‘Soft to the Last Slice’, is the flagship of the Hovis brand and the #1 Pre Packaged Soft White brand, currently showing unit growth of +8% vs last year3. In addition, Hovis is the #1 pre packaged brand in the Bread with Bits category and is now delivering +15% unit growth year on year4. The strength of the Hovis brand in Northern Ireland makes it a firm favourite with consumers who enjoy the great taste and quality from every loaf and an essential for your bakery aisle fixtures. ORMO is synonymous with Traditional Other bakery products across Northern Ireland. ORMO® is today the #2 brand in Northern Ireland5 with a current unit share of 14% and delivering +3% YOY growth. The brand operates across all key segments. It is the #1 branded player in the Potato Farls, Soda Farls and Wheaten segments6. The great tasting ORMO range can fulfil many meal occasions including Potato and Soda Farls with your morning fry, Buttermilk Wheaten bread with your lunch-time soup and a mouthwatering Hot Dog roll with your Summer BBQ. Over the last three years ORMO has spearheaded the traditional bakery category in Northern Ireland with a continual focus on product improvement and product innovation. Recent product launches have included the ORMO muffin range that includes a bigger and softer standard muffin and a continental styled

Brioche muffin. In January 2020 ORMO launched an ORMO Pancake Peel and Reseal pack influenced by the ongoing consumer trend to reduce food waste. In addition the pancake shelf life increased from five to seven days. In recent years, Hovis Ireland has extended its portfolio with a number of agreements to distribute leading bakery brands, to extend the offering to all of our Northern Ireland customers. These include the high profile Mr Kipling and Cadbury’s confectionery and cake

ADVERTORIAL how we respond to these ever changing consumer needs. We are proud to be in a position to offer our retail customers recognised Category Insights advice, tailored marketing solutions and a comprehensive ‘Direct to Store’ range of the leading bakery brands including Hovis, ORMO, Mother’s Pride, New York Bagels, Mission Foods, Kipling and Cadbury Cakes.”

ranges, New York Bagels and Mission Wraps. New York Bagels are the best selling bagel brand7 in Northern Ireland with share growth being driven by an innovation focus, including the launch of the mini bagels in 2019 and new flavours. Sandwich Alternatives have been growing steadily in recent times and adding Mission Wraps to the Hovis portfolio seems an obvious choice. Mission Wraps are the #1 branded wrap in Northern Ireland with 14% unit share8, with further growth expected from July 2021 with more new products, including Tortilla Wraps, Plain Naan and Plain Pitta. Impactful shopper marketing has been key to Hovis Ireland’s portfolio driving product awareness and trial at fixture. Recent campaigns have included the Island of Ireland Hovis Bread With Bits

campaign ‘Bursting With Tasty Seeds and Grains’ that highlighted the great taste of our premium breads. The campaign was fully integrated including outdoor, online, in store and brochure. ORMO’s Moments campaign in November 2020 was a strong brand campaign that showcased the quality and versatility of the range. Candida Brown, brand manager Hovis Ireland, comments: “Our brand campaigns are developed to drive maximum awareness and disruption at fixture driving trial and repeat purchase and can be specifically tailored for all store types, large and small. The campaign strategy has evolved in recent years with initial activity focusing on NPD launches, including the ORMO Pancake ‘Seal in The Taste’ campaign and the ‘How Do You Top That’ campaign supporting the launch of the NEW muffin range to the recent ‘ORMO Moments’ campaign. Category insight has been a valuable tool for the Hovis Ireland portfolio ensuring the optimum range of Hovis and ORMO® products for all of our customers. Leading merchandising technology has enabled the correct ranging plans for our convenience customers across Northern Ireland. We are able to develop tailor-made bakery solutions for all of our customers to achieve the optimum range.” Trevor McCrum, Hovis Ireland commercial director, comments: “As Northern Ireland consumers become more discerning and bakery usage occasions continue to evolve, a wider repertoire of bakery products and brands are required to meet these needs. Our continued success will be dependent on

1 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS, Total Northern Ireland Pre Packed Bread: Value & Unit YOY, 52 weeks to 17th July 2021 2 Kantar data. Data for this year’s ranking was collected in the 52 weeks to October 2020 3 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS, Total Northern Ireland Pre Packed White Bread: Value & Unit YOY, 52 weeks to 17th July 2021 4 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS, Total Northern Ireland Pre Packed Bread with Bits Bread: Value & Unit YOY, 52 weeks to 17th July 2021 5 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS, Total Northern Ireland Pre Packed Traditional Other Bakery: Value & Unit YOY, 52 weeks to 17th July 2021 6 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS, Total Northern Ireland Pre Packed Traditional Other Bakery (Soda, Potato, & Wheaten): Value & Unit YOY, 52 weeks to 17th July 2021 7 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS, Total Northern Ireland Pre Packed Other Bakery (Bagels): Value & Unit YOY, 52 weeks to 17th July 2021 8 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS, Total Northern Ireland Pre Packed Other Bakery (Wraps): Value & Unit YOY, 52 weeks to 17th July 2021

PACKAGING & RECYCLING

STEP IT UP THIS RECYCLE WEEK – 2021 IS THE YEAR OF ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

ith COP26 bringing world governments together to act on climate change in November, Recycle Now is calling for the nation to Step It Up this Recycle Week (September 20-26). Partnering together this year are Britvic, PepsiCo and The Natural Source Waters Association (NSWA), while other donors include Coca-Cola, Coop, Danone, Ocado and Waitrose. Financial backing from the donors enables WRAP, the environmental charity which runs Recycle Now, to help more citizens change their recycling behaviours. The last year has shifted people’s views, with 73% saying they are prepared to make lifestyle compromises to benefit the environment and 93% agreeing that everyone has a responsibility to help clean up the environment. Recycle Now urges more organisations to get in touch and become donors, putting their collective power behind the 18th annual Week, and joining this

coordinated action to tackle climate change. “People’s concern about the environment remains on the increase,” said Sarah Clayton, head of citizen behaviour change, WRAP. “We know that climate change is an issue people are passionate about. Often we can feel powerless to act, but recycling is one activity that we can all do to help the planet. As a nation our commitment to recycling has continued to grow, even during the challenges of the last year. We want Recycle Week 2021 to inspire more people to Step It Up and fight climate change.” Kinvara Carey, general manager, NSWA, said: “The Natural Source Waters Association and its members have always supported and promoted Recycle Week with its clear and action orientated communications on what and how to recycle. All our members’ packaging is 100% recyclable. Our members are using increasing amounts of recycled

oyle Food Group head office based in Omagh Co. Tyrone, which employees 1350 people across the UK, Northern Ireland and ROI have just released their first GRI Sustainability report. This document is an accumulation of the work that the company has been doing over the past 12 months since launching their new Sustainability Strategy ‘Shaping Our Future.’ The document is underpinned by the company’s recent approval of The Science Based Targets (SBTi) The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) with the aim to drive ambitious climate action by setting emission reduction targets. Terry Acheson CEO says, ‘this is our first sustainability report and we are delighted to publish in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. As the most reputable global standard for sustainability reporting, we are starting as we mean to go on, be embracing the need for

material and want to use more so we are really excited to be a donor this year to help ensure Recycle Week’s important message reaches as wide an audience as possible.” Jamie Mackay, general manager UK Beverages, PepsiCo, said: “We fully support the ambition of Recycle Week and are proud to join WRAP for the campaign again in 2021. Despite a challenging year, people across the country are continuing to take small but meaningful actions to help protect the environment. Recycling helps drive a circular economy, ensuring packaging can have a second life. As we work towards our 2022 goal of 100% recycled plastic bottles across our ready-to-drink beverages in Great Britain, we hope that Recycle Week inspires even more people to step up their support this year.” To find out more about donating and partnership, contact partnerenquiries@ wrap.org.uk

transparency in our operations and using a recognisable, comparable framework to aid our efforts. The Sustainability report shares progress across the priority areas where Foyle Food Group believe that they can make the most meaningful impact under Pasture, Product, Planet & People. The business has made significant progress in recent years, already achieving a Carbon Emissions reduction of Absolute Scope 1&2 of 14% from 2015 to 2020 and has had its emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The targets covering greenhouse gas emissions from Foyle operations (Scopes 1 & 2) are consistent with reductions required to keep warming to well below 2oc. The report is available to download on the company recently launched new website www.foylefoogroup.com

ADVERTORIAL

ENVISIONING A BETTER PLANET Co Conv rruga ert te i ng d Pl a

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there are some obvious opportunities to use fibre-based materials, starting with packaging formats where they were traditionally used, such as trays for salads or hamburgers and punnets for fruits and vegetables. These were utilised for many years before being displaced by plastics – for cost or marketing purposes, not functionality. We all recall the time when six beverage cans were aggregated on a paper-based tray on the shelf, rather than in shrink film. Another obvious opportunity which ought to be higher on the agenda is buffering. The polystyrene used as protective packaging and as void-fill in e-commerce can be replaced by plenty of recyclable products that are available today.” In such applications, paper offers an attractive alternative. “At Smurfit Kappa we have 31 different flute designs, which means a lot of scope to play around with the structure to maximise efficiency and marketing impact,” he says. “In the context of omnichannel retail and agile marketing, it’s also a big advantage that board offers a lot of flexibility in altering

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WHAT PAPER CAN – AND CAN’T – DO In addition, Berkenbosch readily acknowledges the properties that make polymers uniquely suitable in certain applications. “We have to recognise that in certain contexts plastic is the most functional material available,” he says. “The dual challenges are to develop systems that ensure we collect and recycle much more plastic, and develop easily recyclable alternatives. Smurfit Kappa believes that it has a role to play in both. “Paper packaging is recyclable firstly because it is economically viable without subsidy and secondly because we solved the purity problem, meaning, from a consumer point of view, anything from newspaper to corrugated can go into the same stream.” Smurfit Kappa also aims to bring the inherent sustainability of fibre-based packaging to applications currently dominated by plastics. “First of all, let’s be clear about our limitations,” Berkenbosch observes. “As an R&D guy, I intrinsically believe in innovation but producing transparent paper-based packaging or high oxygen/liquid barriers are challenging goals for the paper industry right now. However,

Recovered r Facilities Pape

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s the industry and wider world wrestle with plastic waste and the relationship of packaging to the environment, Smurfit Kappa has been rethinking its own engagement with the sustainability challenge. Arco Berkenbosch, VP innovation and development, shares Smurfit Kappa’s view of the problem we face – and the radically outward-facing approach it has adopted. “The first thing we have to understand is that the fundamental problem with packaging waste is litter,” he states. “I’m a believer in innovation, and I’m confident that if waste is collected in a controlled way, we can apply all the R&D resources we have in the packaging industry and beyond to find ways to solve or at least reduce the problem. Therefore, the first principle is that we should be solving the litter challenge, not waging a war on plastic. When you look at it from this point of view, debates around reusable vs recyclable formats are rather academic. Even if we have multi-use plastic packaging, it’s still a material that will stay on the planet for 500 years. Whether we want to use plastic packaging once or 40 times, it’s imperative that it stays under our control.”

C onsu m er

the structural design and graphics of a tray, compared to the cost involved in redesigning a plastic tray.” A study conducted on UK consumers in August 2018 using Smurfit’s ShelfSmart tool to measure relative impacts found that 75% preferred paper-based trays. EXTENDING THE POSSIBILITIES Beyond the low-hanging fruit, the cutting edge of Smurfit Kappa’s R&D emphasises developing additional functionalities without compromising recyclability. “Enhancing gas and moisture barrier properties is a key innovation focus, and we’ve seen a shift in approach here,” Berkenbosch reveals. “In the past there was a lot of research into biodegradable coatings, which were problematic because they needed to be separated from the paper, which required special collection streams and lots of consumer education. Today we are performing research on coatings that can go through the standard paper collection stream, meaning we can harness the existing infrastructure – with its 91% collection rate – without reeducating the supply chain or consumers.” SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP While such fundamental R&D efforts are yielding exciting advances, Smurfit Kappa has come to see this model of innovation, leveraging internal knowledge along with research partnerships, as somewhat within its comfort zone. As such, the business has undergone a radical rethink of the role it has to play in sustainable innovation. The result is its Better Planet Packaging initiative, the pillars of which consist of inspiration and education, design, innovation and external cooperation.

PACKAGING & RECYCLING

A HASSLE-FREE SOLUTION BOOSTING FOR ALL WASTE STREAMS CUSTOMERS’

s the longest-running private waste company in Northern Ireland, Bailey Waste Recycling (NI) operates out of Lurgan and Belfast. Synonymous with excellence in industrial and commercial waste management and recycling, the business was established in 1940 by the Bailey family. A new chapter began in 2017 when Bailey Waste Recycling (NI) became part of the Agnail Group, a leading Irish waste services provider and renewables trader. Agnail was founded in 2010 by Michael O’Callaghan and Paddy McBride, who remain the company’s co-directors and bring expertise in, respectively, the food industry and horticulture, sales and marketing. Following their acquisition of Bailey Waste Recycling (NI), the business refocused on the management of source segregated wastes and confidential wastes. Investment in infrastructure, systems and people, including a major update of collection fleet and processing equipment, has propelled the business to the forefront of the Northern Ireland waste services sector. In 2018, Bailey Waste Recycling purchased 105 Limestone Road, Belfast, facilitating a substantial increase in processing capacity. Large scale improvement works were carried out on the Limestone Road Depot to improve handling infrastructure, including a secure dedicated confidential waste management facility.

Health & safety is an area of focus in line with the company’s objective of service excellence. In 2018, after significant investment, ISO45001 health and safety management system accreditation was achieved and has since been reaccredited annually. In 2019, ISO27001 Information Security Management System accreditation was awarded to the Limestone Road confidential waste management facility; the only static ISO27001 optical waste destruction facility of its kind in Northern Ireland. And last year, Bailey Waste Recycling made a significant infrastructural development in upgrading its Lurgan site including installation of a new Persona baler LP110 CH6S. Commissioned in October 2020, the baler is the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland and has accelerated the recycling process as well as assisting the business in becoming more efficient and resourceful. Bailey Waste Recycling provides a hassle-free solution for all waste streams, including confidential waste, helping commercial, industrial and government sectors dispose of all waste streams in an easy and efficient manner. All waste streams serviced through Bailey Waste Recycling premises are sorted to maximise recycling, helping customers do their bit for the environment and routinely incorporate its services as part of their CSR strategy.

GREEN CREDENTIALS PADDY McBRIDE, CO-DIRECTOR OF BAILEY WASTE RECYCLING (NI), TALKS TO UG WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED BY BAILEY WASTE RECYCLING (NI)? Total Waste Management solutions including the processing of confidential waste, product destruction, cardboard, plastics, aluminium cans, timber and other dry recyclables. WHAT VOLUME OF WASTE DO YOU HANDLE? As a Group, we handle between 12,000 and 15,000 tonnes of material each month and in excess of 98% is sent for recovery or recycling. WHERE DOES THE WASTE GO? It goes to paper mills and plastic reprocessors in the UK and Europe for reprocessing. HOW CAN YOU HELP COMPANIES IMPROVE THEIR SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS? Our service starts with a free waste audit whereby we can assess the customer’s needs and tailor a solution, providing a complete waste recycling service, bringing their disposal and costs down. We help customers to think in terms of waste streams, so they can separate their waste and present it for collection, enabling us to then reuse and recycle it. WHAT ARE BAILEY’S FUTURE PLANS? We are in the process of developing our infrastructure, having recently purchased six additional acres at our Lurgan site for future development and processing of recyclables. This will further enhance our ability to become more efficient and enable us to assist our customers with their green credentials.

ADVERTORIAL

HUB PACKAGING – AIMING TO BE THE MOST RECOMMENDED PACKAGING SPECIALIST IN IRELAND

ub Packaging have been serving the business community across the island of Ireland since 1977. We are a family business and have worked hard to build a reputation for delivering great value and exceptional customer service. At the heart of our offer, is our ambition to treat our customers the way we wish to be treated ourselves. Now in our 45th year, we offer over 3,500 product lines to 3,000+ customers and partner businesses from every sector of the economy. In 2020 we targeted our customers to reduce the amount of packaging they use, using an approach we call Precycling. We work with our customers and clients to help them drive through efficiencies and meet their sustainability targets whilst reducing costs. Our objective is to help you to reduce and eliminate waste. We offer bespoke, trusted advice and guidance to all customers regardless of scale. By supporting businesses across the island, we help them to achieve sustainable environmentally sound commercial success. Putting it simply, we believe that

less is more. If reducing your packaging use and environmental footprint are key concerns, please get in touch with one of our

OUR CUSTOMERS ARE INCREASINGLY LOOKING FOR GREAT VALUE, INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FROM THEIR PACKAGING SUPPLIER. THIS MOST RECENT ACCREDITATION ILLUSTRATES OUR COMMITMENT TO RAISING STANDARDS IN EVERYTHING WE DO AT HUB PACKAGING. colleagues who will be happy to discuss how we can improve your packaging process – sales@hub-packaging.com. Hub Packaging are packaging solutions specialists, we aim to delight

customers through a combination of uncompromising professionalism and a determination to add value to every relationship we have. We are committed to quality in everything we do. Our team is intolerant of waste and relentlessly dissatisfied with just ‘good’. We are here to help you discover the easier, better way to achieve your packaging objectives. Hub Packaging is ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 accredited. Andrew Ward, Hub Packaging managing director, comments on the recent accreditation approval: “Our customers are increasingly looking for great value, innovative and sustainable solutions from their packaging supplier. This most recent accreditation illustrates our commitment to raising standards in everything we do at Hub Packaging.” If you would like to find out how Hub Packaging can work with your company to enhance its packaging and also reduce environmental impact, visit our website: www.hub-packaging.com or call us on +44 (0) 28 4175 4977.

SUSTAINABILITY FOR SUCCESS

evelopments in recent years have accelerated the need for sustainable packaging. Consumer pressure, social movements and regulation are contributing to the need for new designs, materials, and processes.

Plastics Tax legislation is confirmed for April 2022 and your business needs to be ready for the changes ahead. Our experienced team at Active Packaging can advise you on how to take advantage of this opportunity.

Active Packaging work in partnership with our customers to reposition their packaging in line with their environmental strategy. It is our goal that 90% of all packaging we sell will be fully recyclable by 2025. We, as industry leaders are passionate about the latest packaging advances. For decades, we have established a strong reputation for suppling premium goods and strive to ensure that they never let you or your customers down. Our range includes superior quality printed food packaging products made from Polypropylene, Polythene, and polyester. We also have a wide range of paper options including heat sealable paper, paper bags and FSC certified paper. Established in 2003, Active Packaging have over the last 18 years successfully provided superior packaging solutions for all our customers. We have a committed team who provide world class customer service and expertise to all our customers, making the transition to sustainable packaging as efficient as possible with no disruption to the supply chain.

IT IS OUR GOAL THAT 90% OF ALL PACKAGING WE SELL WILL BE FULLY RECYCLABLE BY 2025

We have been supplying and advising our customers on more sustainable options by: reducing the thickness of current packaging using recycled content providing paper bag and compostable options and much more!! Gary Wallace, Director of Active Packaging, commented: “It’s an exciting transition for the industry and we’re as committed and optimistic about the change as many of our customers. We’re privileged to work with some of the top brands in the UK and Ireland to help reduce the environmental impact and ecological footprint for the generation of the future.” We are passionate about innovation and providing the right packaging fit for our customers. Contact Active Packaging today to begin developing a solution that will revolutionise the environmental message for your business.

Web: www.active-pkg.com Unit A3 Omagh Business Complex Gortrush Industrial Estate, Great Northern Road, Omagh, Tyrone, BT78 5LU. Northern Ireland • Email sales@active-pkg.com • Telephone +44 (0) 28 8224 1616

ADVERTORIAL

FANTA DARES SHOPPERS TO PLAY ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN GAME WITH NEW ON-PACK PROMOTION

o celebrate Halloween this year, Fanta has unveiled a new on-pack promotion, giving consumers the chance to win epic prizes or unlock scary surprises.

The on-pack promotion will help retailers tap into consumer demand for soft drinks at Halloween – specifically flavoured carbonates, which enjoyed an extra +£2m in sales in the run up to Halloween last year1. The campaign will capitalise on Fanta’s longstanding popularity during the spooky season, as the number one flavoured carbonate brand in Northern Ireland2. From 30th August until the 31st October 2021, shoppers are invited to scan QR codes on limited edition, ghoulish packs of Fanta Orange Zero,

Fanta Orange and Fanta Lemon, to find out instantly whether they’ve won an epic prize – from cauldrons of cash, to home entertainment systems and supplies for the ultimate scary movie night in. Those who don’t win will receive exclusive digital content to scare their friends and family with instead. Promotional packs include 330ml cans and 500ml bottles for consumers to pick up whilst on the go, and 1.75L bottles or a multipack can range to enjoy at home. The promotion will be supported by a heavily invested five-week marketing campaign that will bring the ultimate scary and silly surprises to life. Fanta’s Halloween plan will include a new TV campaign sure to give viewers a scare, but with a silly twist. Digital, paid social, influencers and out-of-home advertising, as well as high-impact in-store activation, will ensure Fanta continues to excite and engage shoppers this Halloween. 1Nielsen IOI Scantrack Data w/e 01.11.20 2Nielsen IOI Scantrack YTD w/e 30.05.21

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS 2045 CLIMATE TARGET THREAT TO AGRI-FOOD

n £11bn reduction in economic output and the loss of 13,000 on-farm jobs could result from compliance with the private members’ bill (PMB) net zero target for 2045 in Northern Ireland, according to a new report by KPMG. Two rival climate bills are now progressing at Stormont, with Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots’ draft bill featuring less ambitious goals having joined Green Party MLA Clare Bailey’s PMB. The report, Climate Change Bill Impact Assessment, was commissioned by Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), NI Meat Exporters’ Association, Dairy Council NI, NI Pork & Bacon Forum and the NI Grain Trade Association. It is also supported by the NI Poultry Federation, Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association, NI Food & Drink Association, National Sheep Association and National Beef Association. UFU said predictions suggest an 86% reduction in cattle and sheep numbers would be needed to hit the 2045 target in NI, wiping out traditional grass-based family farming systems. The report identifies the viability of the beef, dairy and sheep sectors as most at risk from herd reductions, with the pig and poultry sectors likely to be relatively less impacted. Farm level viability will become significantly challenged once herd reductions reach 20-40%. Total economic output would fall by between 8-66% across the sectors analysed, KPMG says, with the negative impacts extending further when considering a reduction in the sector’s capital investment activities and knock-on impact of herd reductions on abattoirs and other processors. Overall herd reductions could lead to a 54% decrease in total employment on farms. “Climate change legislation is necessary to tackle emissions from NI,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU. “Farmers and the agri-food sector are willing and must play their part in tackling global warming. “However, we have said from the get-go that NI needs climate change legislation that is fair, credible and backed by science-based evidence supporting local farmers in their efforts to reduce emissions without diminishing our

Victor Chestnutt, president of UFU, Jessica Pollock and Declan McAleer, chairman of the NI Assembly Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, are pictured during the Committee’s visit to Pollock’s family farm in Castlederg Co Tyrone on August 12, to showcase some of the many ways farmers have been improving on-farm efficiencies and introducing new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ability to produce food to world-leading standards. “KPMG’s report undeniably shows that the Private Members’ Bill fails to deliver the climate change policy that NI needs to combat emissions appropriately. Instead, it will cause devastation for rural families and communities, and the NI economy as a whole. “It’s time for politicians to start listening to our genuine concerns and working with the agri-food sector and rural communities to deliver climate change legislation that reduces emissions without decimating livelihoods and threatening food security.” Dr Mike Johnston, chief executive, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said: “Family-run cattle and sheep farms form the backbone of the rural economy. Wiping out these farming businesses for the sake of delivering a further 0.73% reduction to UK emissions over and above the Climate Change Committee’s advised

target is in no way rational. “It would reduce our highly successful dairy sector to a cottage industry creating widespread job losses across farms, processing and ancillary industries, taking us back to levels of milk production last seen in 1946. Unless consumers eating patterns change, dairy and meat produced to lower standards will be imported from other countries to replace high-quality local produce. It would cause carbon leakage with no benefit to greenhouse gas emissions or global warming and increase levels of food poverty.” Ian Stevenson, chief executive, LMC, said: “With a 98% reduction in beef and sheep farms in marginal areas, farming will be almost completely wiped out in the most rural parts of NI and our countryside, biodiversity and societal enjoyment of well managed farming landscapes will be severely impacted. “People living in these rural areas will be left without jobs and other employment will be harder to find. Rural families, whether they are from the farming community or not, are going to be the ones left to pay the price of a 2045 net zero target for NI. As an industry we have been accused of scaremongering; the facts of this economic impact assessment speak for themselves.” 43

BUSINESS NEWS

SECTOR SUPPORT NEEDED FOR VITAL FOOD & DRINK SECTOR

Michael Bell, executive director, NIFDA.

ith the latest annual statistics from DAERA highlighting the growing contribution of food and drink processing to the local economy, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) is calling for support to help the sector reach its full potential. “The figures once again emphasise the importance of food and drink to the Northern Ireland economy,” said Michael Bell, executive director, NIFDA. “It remains the largest manufacturing sector locally, employing tens of thousands of people and accounting for 30% of all manufacturing employment in Northern Ireland. “The sector continues to add value to

our economy, with the statistics showing that the value added by food and drink to the Northern Ireland economy increased by 7% to £998m in 2019. “While the sector remains strong, we should not underestimate the challenges the industry faces both now and in the near future. Brexit, recruitment difficulties, new food strategies from government and of course recovery from the pandemic are all major issues the industry is grappling with. “These challenges bring with them opportunities, and with the right support Northern Ireland food and drink can continue to grow for the future. We need a value adding food marketing

NORTHERN IRELAND FOOD AND DRINKS PROCESSING REPORT 2019 (DAERA/NISRA) • Total gross turnover of the NI food & drinks processing sector is estimated to have increased by 3.7% in 2019 to £5,365m. Provisional estimates for 2020 project a 1% increase to £5,413m • The estimated number of direct full-time employee equivalents in the sector increased by 3.2% to 24,945 FTEs in 2019. Provisional estimates for 2020 project a 0.2% increase to 24,984 FTEs • Value added by the sector increased by 7% to £998m between 2018 and 2019 • Between 2018 and 2019, the sector’s sales increased to GB (+£30.3m), Ireland (+£66.6m) and to Other Countries outside the EU (+£180.2m). Sales decreased within NI (-£52.9m) and to Other EU Countries (-£31.3m). GB remains the sector’s largest market, accounting for 47.5% of sales in 2019 • Food and drink contributed 36.8% to total NI manufacturing sales in 2019, an increase from 35.3% in 2018 body and financial support to allow further investment in innovation and automation. “As the statistics demonstrate, food and drink remain one of Northern Ireland’s major economic assets. We have the potential to grow even further, create even more sustainable jobs and secure Northern Ireland’s economic recovery from Covid-19. With the right support we will deliver.”

RIVERRIDGE JOINS BITC TO FURTHER SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

aste management company RiverRidge is aiming to boost its sustainability credentials by joining more than 200 local businesses in the Business in the Community (BITC) network. Following on from its progress in diverting waste from landfill, encouraging recycling over recovery and recently announced plans to utilise waste streams to create vehicle fuel, the new membership furthers RiverRidge’s commitment to supporting its people, being a force for good in society and having a positive impact on the environment. 44

“Business in the Community is a great network and we’re proud to have joined many of Northern Ireland’s leading organisations to become a more responsible business,” said Brett Ross, managing director of RiverRidge. “Over our 10 years in business, we have been passionate about sustainable practices and meeting our environmental goals, and through membership with BITC, we are one step closer. We are looking forward to progressing with the help of BITC and its members.” Kieran Harding, managing director, Business in the Community NI, said: “We

are delighted to welcome RiverRidge into membership. Our members recognise the huge benefits that come from managing their businesses in a responsible and sustainable way, and we look forward to working with all of our members – established and new – supporting them on their responsible business journeys. “We aim to help and inspire companies to address three campaigning areas – their People, the Planet and the Place in which they operate. By working together to tackle social and environmental issues, businesses in membership with us can truly become a force for good in society.”

People on the move... in association with

GM MARKETING EXPANDS WORKFORCE FOLLOWING RAPID GROWTH

elfast-based GM Marketing has welcomed its full team back to the office for the first time since March 2020, having added 18 new team members since then to support its rapidly growing business. A recent recruitment drive has bolstered its sales, marketing, operations and finance teams, both to handle a doubling of business and build a team, infrastructure and systems to support its future growth ambitions. “We’re delighted to be in a position to invest in new job opportunities and to support the local economy in what has been a really challenging time for everyone,” said Gerard McAdorey, managing director, GM Marketing. “But more than that, it’s great to

Gerard McAdorey, managing director, GM Marketing.

welcome everyone back to the office in a safe environment, finally have the opportunity to celebrate our wins as a team, and importantly focus on the next phase of growth.” GM Marketing’s portfolio spans food, beverage, baby, household, and foodservice brands such as Fox’s Biscuits, Tilda Rice, Nando’s, Filippo Berio and YAZOO. With 21 years’ experience of building FMCG brands in the UK and Ireland, the business also has a growing own-brand range including household fragrance lines The Celtic Collection and Home Essence; low-sugar, better-for-you snack range FREE’IST; and recently acquired herbs and spices supplier FAVOURIT Foods.

DALE FARM APPOINTS GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

GROCERYAID APPOINTS TWO ASDA REPRESENTATIVES G roceryAid has appointed Hayley Tatum, senior vice president and chief people officer for Asda, as one of 14 GroceryAid Trustees responsible for leading the charity. “GroceryAid plays a vital role in providing emotional, practical and financial support for many grocery colleagues and I am delighted to be joining the charity at a time when its importance to the trade has never been more apparent,” said Tatum. Derek Lawlor, chief merchandising officer at Asda, has meanwhile become independent non-executive director of GroceryAid Trading, the charity’s trading subsidiary. He said: “I am really excited to be working with GroceryAid Trading to support fundraising for the charity. This is

Mark Boyle

M Derek Lawlor

Hayley Tatum

the company behind innovative industry events such as Barcode Festival and I look forward to keeping the momentum established in recent years.” The GroceryAid Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year on 08088 021122.

ark Boyle has been appointed group commercial director with dairy company Dale Farm. He will be responsible for overseeing the commercial, marketing and new product development teams within the business across its domestic and international markets. Former CEO designate of Kepak, Boyle previously led the Kerry Foods business across Ireland and held senior commercial roles within the Kerry Group and Green Isle.

Suite 309, River House, 48-60 High St, Belfast BT1 2BE • info@greenfieldmarketing.co.uk Belfast Office: 02890 770 999400

SHELFLIFE

To see your product featured in Shelf Life, contact Chris Keenan at c.keenan@independentmagazinesni.co.uk or Tel: 028 9026 4267

FINSBURY FOOD GROUP PARTNERS WITH GORDON’S

insbury Food Group’s partnership with global drinks giant Diageo is expanding with the UK cake manufacturer announcing a new collaboration with best-selling gin brand Gordon’s. Tapping into the ongoing success of the gin market, Finsbury has partnered with Gordon’s to launch one of the brand’s signature distilled gins in cake form. The result is the new Gordon’s Premium Pink Cake, available now in Asda

supermarkets nationwide. The Gordon’s Premium Pink cake (RRP £12) is layered with pink and white sponge with raspberry jam, finished with a contemporary pearlescent ombre effect and topped with Gordon’s Premium Pink flavoured frosting, edible sugar pearls and dried raspberries. Finsbury has worked in close partnership with brand owner Diageo since 2018, when it introduced the first range of adult-only cakes with Baileys. “At Finsbury we are always looking for ways to bring innovation into the cake category and excite the public with the launch of new products that they’ve never seen before,” said Emma Hamilton, brand manager for Finsbury Food Group. “We know gin lovers will want to snap this up, but we’ve made sure that there’s enough beautiful flavours and toppings to delight those who aren’t as partial to gin too.” Gordon’s Premium Pink Cake is available now in Asda stores and online, and in Tesco from September 6.

MÜLLER LAUNCHES NEW GUT HEALTH YOGURT BRAND

üller has launched its first standalone yogurt brand in the UK, as it targets category growth. Driven by a global wellness trend, Gut Glory is a new gut-health yogurt brand with a contemporary twist. Research by the dairy company found that while the digestive health market was experiencing 12% value growth [1], potential shoppers were put off by existing options that were too scientific or functional.

Through the creation of a new brand with an irreverent tone and a contemporary and simple design, Müller intends to add excitement and inspiration to the digestive health yogurt segment. Gut Glory is a creamy yogurt which contains gut friendly cultures, it is a source of calcium [2] and is made in Shropshire, England, using milk from British farms. The Gut Glory range will be available in two pack sizes. Shoppers can choose 450g big pots, available in Salted Caramel and Strawberry with fibre and four pack single flavour 125g pots, in Strawberry, Rhubarb and Peach & Mango with fibre. The new range is available now in Asda and in other retailers over the coming months.

TYRRELLS LAUNCHES NEW BEEF & ALE FLAVOUR

P Snacks has announced its premium hand-cooked crisps brand Tyrrells is further expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new flavour, Tyrrells British Beef & Ale. Available now in stores nationwide, the 40g single packs (RRP £0.85) are designed to be the perfect accompaniment to your chosen drink, providing consumers with a favourite pub classic in a delicious snack form. Consumer preference for meaty flavours in crisps and snacks is growing [1], and the new product aims to tap into this trend.

Source: [1] Nielsen Scantrack Tot Covg, Value sales MAT 18.04.2020

Source: [1] 12.94% - June MAT TY vs. MAT YA – Nielsen [2] Contains calcium which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. Live cultures in yogurt improve lactose digestion of the product in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose

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CONTACT CHRIS KEENAN ON 028 9264 4267 OR EMAIL:

c.keenan@ independentmagazinesni.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS

WANT YOUR COMPANY TO GET NOTICED? ADVERTISE HERE... CONTACT CHRIS KEENAN ON 028 9264 4267 OR EMAIL:

c.keenan@ independentmagazinesni.co.uk

GROCER ULSTER

Over 45 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

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Recruitment •

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Auditing Mystery Shopping

FMCG Field Staff only

Suite 309, River House, 48-60 High St, Belfast BT1 2BE • info@greenfieldmarketing.co.uk Belfast Office: 02890 770 999 • www.greenfieldmarketing.co.uk

Q&A TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m 25 years old and was born and raised in Comber. I have officially been an entrepreneur since I was about 17, but if you count buying and selling sweets in the playground, I’d say my whole life. I started my first online company Waynorth in 2014 and have been obsessed with business ever since. I gained experience working for Mash Direct along with a PPC agency before stepping back into business launching Hotties Chocolate last November.

IN THE HOT SEAT REUBEN McFEETERS, FOUNDER, HOTTIES CHOCOLATE

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? To be honest, no day looks the same at Hotties Chocolate... most mornings will look like packaging up any orders and racing the clock to get them out before the post is collected for the day. The afternoon could look like admin, social media, deliveries, or screen printing the boxes. For me, routine is key, so I’ll try to plan ahead for what the coming week looks like. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? This is a tricky one as it’s all been one big highlight. A silly highlight that I loved was going to Hong Kong to meet manufacturers for Waynorth. As a kid, I always dreamt about going on a business trip to China. I realised my dream and it was an amazing seven days. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Community. Being able to provide a product that is often enjoyed and accompanied by community brings me joy. We also set up a system called Hotties for One, where people are able to post a friend a small hot chocolate attached with a note, and writing the encouraging and loving words for friends and family is no better way to start me off each morning. The small business community has also been amazing. Northern Ireland has such amazing small business owners who are there to support you every step of the way. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Everyone is just a big kid. The real working world used to intimidate me, but I soon learn after working for a few years that everyone is just on a journey and learning, everyone makes 50

mistakes and is constantly trying things for the first time. Once I understood that everyone doesn’t have it figured out it gave me the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? ... my wife says timekeeping. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? Anywhere with good food that is warm and sunny.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? It changes, but lately, it has been Poacher’s Pocket focaccia bread with some tapenade or hummus from Indie Fude. Delicious. HOW DO YOU RELAX? I’m a big advocate for exercise. I will try and schedule a run or a trip to the gym into my day; it helps me unwind and clear my head. Fresh air is key, taking a step away from it all helps my mind rest and gives me a fresh perspective.